Squarespace vs. Wix – Which Website Builder Can Win You over?

Squarespace and Wix are some of the most popular website builders online. Both services are rated very highly and provide you with everything you need to build a professional website. However, there are many differences between the two that will tilt your more towards one than the other. Here is a Squarespace vs Wix comparison to help you decide which service is better suited to you.

The Core Unique Features

The best way to start the Squarespace vs Wix discussion is to go through each service’s core features. Wix is designed to be dead simple to use. The beginner-oriented user interface is separated into two opposite sections with clear controls. This allows anyone to use the drag and drop builder without a learning curve.

The company has recently added an artificial design solution. This concept creates a website for you on the fly after filling in some information about what you’re looking for. You’d be surprised at the actual creations it comes up with. You can make edits as you like or simply start from scratch using the hundreds of templates that Wix has to offer.

On the other hand, Squarespace is known for their jaw-dropping designs. Their templates look like an expensive web designer worked day and night on them. The styles they typically go for are minimalist and offer sophisticated looks. Their focus seems to be on targeting creative types but also business professionals.

Like other website builders, you use a drag and drop builder for the site creation process. Truth be told, Squarespace is a little more difficult to use than Wix. At the same time, Squarespace offers more customization features. For example, users are able to edit your CSS and offering more controls over the stylistic elements.

Functionalities

The next Squarespace vs Wix discussion needs to focus on functionalities. Both website builders will allow you to set up regular sites, blogs, and online stores. They also help you design your site for mobile platforms although only Squarespace’s templates are responsive.

One great feature that Squarespace offers over Wix is SSL security. This extra layer of security is important if you’re doing SEO or taking payments online.

Wix and Squarespace both have eCommerce site features built into their top tier memberships. These eCommerce features help you organize inventory, set up taxes, shipping options, and more.

Squarespace seems to do eCommerce a little better than Wix because of additional metrics and integrations with various apps. They also assist their customers with an abandoned checkout recovery system.

Addons, Apps, and Plugins

The Wix website builder has been one of the few website builders to really focus on building an app store of large sizes. They offer a wide variety of free and premium apps. Each of them enhances the look and functionality of your website. They have over 200 different apps and are constantly adding more on a regular basis.

Squarespace has come out with their plugin marketplace as well not too long ago. However, there only offer a little more than 100 plugins which is half the size of Wix’s. They also seem to be severely lacking when it comes to eCommerce plugins.

Wix has embraced third-party apps far earlier than Squarespace. This means that you’ll find more interesting and creative apps on their platform.

Design Templates

The Squarespace vs Wix showdown continues with a look at their templates. Wix has over 500 templates which is among the highest numbers that website builders ever offered.

The templates span a wide range of markets and industries. The downside is that they are not as polished as Squarespace’s and they are not responsive. You also can’t swap out your templates once you start building on them. This can be quite a set back if you decide that you need another design along the way.

On the other hand, Squarespace has some of the best designs in the business. However, there are only a hundred different templates to choose from. This can be very limiting if you happen to be in an uncommon industry or market.

Nonetheless, the silver lining is that you can swap our templates without any problems at any given point. The templates are also responsive and do a great job in making sure your site appears properly to mobile users.

Pricing

Wix is known for some of the lowest prices in the business. The cheapest plan starts at just $7 a month, the eCommerce at $20 a month, and the most expensive at $30 a month. You can also save money by going with an annual plan. The savings for these annuals are quite significant ranging from 25 to 43 percent.

By comparison, Squarespace is far more on the expensive side. The basic plan starts at $12 and comes with some limitations that are unnecessary like limited pages. To get unlimited pages, you’ll have to go with the $18 business account. If you want to set up an online store, it will cost $26 for the basic plan and $40 for the advanced. There are also no annual plan savings.

Customer Service

When it comes to working with website builders, you want to make sure that you get the help you need to make the most out of the service. Both companies offer phone and email support.

The only difference is that only Squarespace offers a live chat system as well. Both companies have professional staff that understands the customer’s needs and is dedicated to providing the best service possible. That’s why this part of the Squarespace vs Wix is a tie.

Final Word

The Squarespace vs Wix debate has now come to a close. Both are great choices for anyone dreaming of opening an online website.

However, if you’re looking for something more beginner friendly, Wix is the better choice. If you’re looking for outstanding designs or strong eCommerce functions, Squarespace is the better choice.

Of course, things like app selection, pricing, and all the other secondary details should help you make a better decision. Look through these comparisons one more time and figure out which one of the website builders meets your needs.